Ashland, Ky. — The Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Coalition is working to make Boyd and Greenup counties a healthier place to live, work and play. Boyd and Greenup counties are continually publicized locally and nationally as having some of the worst statistics in Kentucky such as high prevalence for heart disease, diabetes and adult and childhood overweight/obesity. So why is our health data so bad? A variety of factors plays into our wellbeing and influence our health as a community.

The coalition wants to reduce the barriers that prevent us from leading healthy lives and turn the tide on this negative image. A new initiative focusing on children 5-18 years of age is launching and we need the input of parents and children/youth ages 10-18 living in Boyd and Greenup counties. Parents and children/youth are invited to participate in a focus group and share their insights to what impacts the health of children and youth in our area.

The focus groups feature an open discussion session where you can share your perceptions about health and perceived barriers to good health for your family. The data gathered from these discussions will help guide the coalition’s work for the next five (5) years. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees can enter a drawing for a chance to win one of four Apple iPod Touch to be given away.

Registration is recommended but not required. To register or to obtain more information, please contact Laura Patrick at (606) 324-1544 or laura.patrick@khf.kdhs.us.